iOS Kindle app purchasing process streamlined via updated App Store rule
The iOS Kindle app has received an update, enabling users to purchase ebooks directly from the app, following a significant adjustment in App Store policies.
In the aftermath of a court order in the Epic Games, Inc. v. Apple Inc. case, Apple is now prohibited from levying commissions on purchases made external to the App Store. This development brings relief to iPhone users overall, but it particularly eases a longstanding issue with the iOS Kindle app, allowing for more streamlined ebooks purchasing on Apple devices.
Upon opening the iOS Kindle app recently, users may have noticed the addition of a "Get Book" option. Prior to the recent App Store policy changes implemented on May 1, purchasing books through the app was impossible—users were instead forced to transact through their web browsers. The new option takes users directly to the book's purchasing page in their browser, making the process far less cumbersome.
The previous rule prohibited app developers from inserting links directing users to external payment mechanisms, compelling them to implement purchases within the app and pay Apple a 30% commission on every transaction. The current rule change now allows developers to include buttons and links redirecting users to external purchase platforms, leading to a more straightforward and user-friendly purchasing experience on iPhone devices.
Apple is currently appealing the ruling, which has influenced the App Store's rules. The change is expected to instill improved user experiences, as it benefits apps offering digital purchases, such as Kindle.
Epic Games, the plaintiff in the case, has been embroiled in a dispute with Apple over its restrictions and commission system for purchases made on iOS. Currently, Epic does not offer an iOS/iPadOS app in the U.S. due to these restrictions, though users in the European Union can download the Epic Games Store thanks to the Digital Markets Act. Following rulings in Epic's case against Apple, it is hoped that these privileges may soon extend to users worldwide.
In the meantime, users who prefer a physical ereader may still circumvent the Kindle app for their ebook purchasing needs.
- For gamers who prefer a Mac laptop, a new technology review might highlight the benefits of a device with a high-quality display, ample RAM, and compatibility with the latest gaming titles.
- In light of the current changes in App Store policies, developers are now free to directly incorporate 'buy' buttons for their products, bypassing the 30% commission charged by Apple. This could potentially lead to more affordable ebooks, such as those for the Kindle app, in the long run.
- As Apple reviews its appeal against the recent ruling, technology enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating a potential wave of preferential policies that may extend to other digital marketplaces, including gaming platforms on Mac laptops.
- Despite the ongoing dispute between the Kindle app and Apple, users who prioritize a tactile reading experience can still opt for a physical e-reader, allowing them to bypass the native iOS Kindle app and its associated purchasing process.
